2027 EPIGRAM BOOKS FICTION PRIZE

The Epigram Books Fiction Prize (EBFP) returns for its 11th edition in 2027, continuing its mission to celebrate and promote excellence in literary fiction. First launched in 2015 to support Singaporean creative writing, the Prize has since expanded to spotlight compelling voices from across Southeast Asia.

2027 Judging Panel

The judging panel for the 2027 Epigram Books Fiction Prize brings together literary veterans, publishing professionals and creative industry leaders. Returning as chair since the Prize's inception is Edmund Wee, founder and director of the Epigram Literary Foundation.

He is joined by four new judges: Narisa Chakrabongse, founder of Bangkok's River Books; Professor C. J. Wee Wan-ling, NTU literary critic specialising in modern and contemporary art; Bertha Henson, independent journalist with 25 years at Singapore Press Holdings; and Ibrahim Tahir, founder of Wardah Books, specialising in books of Muslim interest.

(Click for more info on each judge)

download press release here

Regional Publishing Partners

  • PT. Elex Media Komputindo, established in 1985 under the Kompas Gramedia Group, is a major force in Indonesia’s publishing industry. With extensive national distribution, it pioneered manga publishing and remains a key player in fiction and translated literature.

  • River Books is a Bangkok-based independent publisher founded in 1989 by Narisa Chakrabongse. The press has spent over 30 years publishing titles on Southeast Asian art, history and culture, and in recent years has developed a fiction list, including literature in translation.

  • Milflores Publishing is an independent Philippine publisher with a stated mission to produce books that spark conversations, promote learning, and fuel the imagination. The company maintains an active catalogue and also circulates a film rights catalogue for its titles.

  • The Biblio Press is a Malaysia-based publisher in Petaling Jaya. The press focuses on Malay-language publishing, including translations of major international works as well as locally engaged, critical titles. With strong distribution channels in Malaysia and across ASEAN, Bibliopress is recognised for shaping Malaysia’s literary identity and fostering cross-border cultural exchange.

  • NDSP is a Myanmar publishing company known for publishing translated works and for acquiring international rights for translation, and it was a finalist for the International Publishers Association’s Freedom to Publish Prize (2014). NDSP has also operated specialised imprints, including Yoke Pya (comics and picture books).